Autour du Mont Gond
Nendaz
3/10°
Throughout this amazing walk, explore the most beautiful landscapes of Nendaz, such as the Larch trees of Balavaux, the Dents Rousses or the Jardin japonais (Japanese Gardens).
Difficulty
DifficultLength
14.16 kmDuration
4:40 hDescription
This relatively demanding 14-kilometre hike takes you through a variety of landscapes, crossing the Balavaux pasture, with around 250 Larch trees, some of which have reached the venerable age of 1,000 years old. Among them are the most imposing and oldest specimens in Europe. One of these multi-centenarians may even hold the record, with a circumference of 11.8 metres. To admire the so-called "King of Balavaux » up close, don't miss the walkway specially built for this purpose. Your ascent then continues towards the Dents Rousses, with its incredible view over the Cleuson dam, the Mont-Fort and the Alps. Between the Dents Rousses and Siviez, don't forget to stop at the Jardin Japonais, a true haven. This enchanting natural site emanates a wonderful feeling of calm and tranquility.
Turn-by-turn directions
Nendaz, Tracouet – Balavaux – Champ Ferret – Dents Rousses –La Tsa – Jardin japonais - Tortin – Siviez
This hike begins at the top of the Tracouet gondola. From here, follow the mountain pasture track towards Prarion. Once you arrive at Balavaux hut, take the small track on your left and walk past the cowshed where the Hérens cows stay during the summer. Cross the Balavaux pasture, where magnificent 1000-year-old larch trees stand proudly. At the end of this route, the path narrows and becomes steeper. Continue your ascent towards the Dents Rousses, the highest point of your hike at over 2,570m above sea level. From here, start your descent towards Tortin. On the way, don't forget to stop for refreshing break at the Jardin Japonais. Then continue down to Siviez, the final point of your hike, crossing the Tortin pasture and then, from the reservoir, following the footpath that runs alongside the Printse river.
Start
Tracouet, top of the lift station (2195m)
Destination
Siviez (1728m)
Author's recommendation
Balavaux is home to an amazing feature: 250 larch trees, among which are the largest and oldest specimens in Europe.
Technical information
Altitude
2576m
1728m
Ascent
+538m
Descent
-1005m
Stamina
Experience
Landscape
Best time of the year
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Tags
Public transport
Approach
Parking
Source
This activity is brought to you by Valais/Wallis Promotion